Post by account_disabled on Feb 22, 2024 2:15:04 GMT -5
The world's plastic pollution problem is far outpacing efforts to stop it, meaning the volume of plastics in the global ocean will be four times higher in 2040 than in 2016, according to new research. by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation. Sarah George comments in edie that the research called "Breaking the Plastic Wave" was carried out by a consortium of experts from the University of Oxford, the University of Leeds, the Pew Charitable Trusts and the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, using tools from innovative companies. Systemiq and Common Seas. It was found that despite the growing number of pledges from companies and governments to curb plastic pollution, and the high standards of those pledges, they will ultimately fail to solve the problem. On a trajectory of continuity, based on current policy packages and corporate objectives, the volume of plastic on the market will double in 20 years. At the same time, the volume of plastic entering oceans and waterways will triple, and global stocks of ocean plastic will quadruple. The research paper then goes on to set out an alternative trajectory, creating a “comprehensive” circular economy for plastics globally.
These systems would not only cap plastic pollution, but would save $200bn (£157bn) in reducing material costs, health costs and pollution clean-up costs; would create 700,000 net additional jobs and reduce the plastics sector's greenhouse gas (GHG) footprint by a quarter. According to the report, a comprehensive circular economy for plastics is based on three pillars: Elimination. Circulation. Innovation. The phase-out Bulgaria Mobile Number List would see all “unnecessary” plastics removed from the global economy, with a progressive decline going beyond token items like straws and Q-tips. Wherever possible, products should be delivered to customers unpackaged or in reusable packaging and, where plastic packaging is necessary, it should be widely recycled and contain a high proportion of recycled content. Proper disposal would reduce plastic use by 50% within 20 years. Circulation is about “rapidly” redesigning all plastic products that are not yet widely recyclable, compostable or reusable, and increasing investment in infrastructure and recycling systems. Investment would need to reach $30bn (£27.5bn) a year by 2040 if infrastructure gaps are to be closed.
At the same time, policymakers must design mechanisms that improve the economics of recycling and deteriorate the economics of landfills, such as Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) plans. While praising the progress made to date in developing innovative collection and processing systems, the report argues that insufficient R&D funds have been allocated to the design of new products and business models that ensure the elimination and the circulation of containers. The plastics and waste management industries should increase R&D spending to $100 billion a year (£78.6 billion), four times the current level. There is no single solution; delaying the actions outlined in this report for five years would add 80 million metric tons of plastic waste to the 248 million metric tons projected to enter the ocean from 2016 to 2040, compounding risks to communities. marine species and ecosystems, our climate and our communities. Report The Ellen Macarthur Foundation said the research confirmed its earlier, much-cited finding that without transformative action, there will be more plastic in the oceans than fish by 2050, based on weight.